Overview of Lightning Damage Countermeasure Guideline for Hydrogen Stations

In preparation for market introduction of fuel cell vehicles (FCV), various empirical researches have been conducted by establishing hydrogen stations in many locations in Japan. However, an experiment to charge FCV under bad weather where lightning was concerned in its proximity has never been conducted[1]. At present, there is no guideline (e.g., standards) for lightning damage countermeasure and sufficient lightning protection is not yet provided. In fact, some hydrogen stations have reported damages by lightning. We discussed guidelines for lightning damage prevention or mitigation by reviewing cases of hydrogen stations which have been actually damaged by lightning[2][3], and established the "Lightning Damage Countermeasure Guideline for Hydrogen Stations."